Inflammation is the biggest cause of premature ageing

Inflammation can have a major impact on the health of our skin. it can break down collagen and elastin fibers, which can lead to premature ageing. It can ialso mpair the skins protective barrier, weakening the skins natural repair process, and upset the acid mantle, knocking the delicate micro-flora out of balance.

How do we reduce skin irritation?

All of this can impair the skins immunity, making it susceptible to invading bacteria, causing once plump and healthy moisture loving cells, to become dry and brittle.

So with such a maddeningly diverse list of triggers, you could be forgiven for wondering how to treat inflammation.

Well the crucial key in addressing these triggers, is to support and maintain a healthy lipid barrier; if the skins protective layer is impaired, microbes, allergens and other irritants can enter the skin creating inflammation.

There are several key steps that you can take to help reduce sensitivity:

Refrain from using soap

Use tepid water on your skin

Avoid astringent ingredients

Avoid using a harsh exfoliant

Don’t use chemical peels on your skin

Use a muslin cloth to remove make up

Steer clear of fragrances and essential oils

Cover up, ultraviolet light it causes inflammation

Avoid all harsh beauty treatments, such as micro-dermabrasion

By maintaining the barrier function at its peak performance level, the damaging effects of environment and lifestyle on the skin can be controlled.

Avoid the following Irritants

Synthetic fragrance. This has been found to be the number one cause of allergic reactions to products. Avoid skin care products containing the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the ingredient listing.

Instead look for gentle products specifically formulated without irritating ingredients, Savior and pH acid mantle complex are all products that will repair an impaired skin.

SD Alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol. These are commonly found in toners and other formulas, especially for oily skin types and should be avoided.

Sodium or Lauryl Sulfate. These are commonly found in cleansers and are extremely drying to the skin.

All the Naked Chemist products are formulated without any of these irritating ingredients.

The Naked Truth

Many manufacturers are aware that certain ingredients can cause skin irritations.

So it puzzles me as to why they continue to use such ingredients, is it because they are cost effective or they just don’t know the difference?

As a formulator, I feel we all have a responsibility to our customers, to pay attention to the irritant potential of these harmful ingredients.

If we are to truly make a difference through our skin care products, and achieve long-term health for our customer’s skin.

3 Comments

kayne on November 19, 2015 at 7:33 pm

Yep you have hit the nail on the head when it comes to my skin. ..a great read